A double-blind, randomized, clinical trial on the antileishmanial activity of a Morinda citrifolia (Noni) stem extract and its major constituents

Nat Prod Commun. 2012 Feb;7(2):195-6.

Abstract

A controlled study was conducted to determine the efficiency of a topical ointment prepared from the stem extract of Morinda citrifolia against cutaneous leishmaniasis. Similarly, the in vitro antileishmanial activity of morindicone and morinthone isolated from the extract were investigated against Leishmania major. These compounds displayed good activity. Out of 40 patients, 50% showed an excellent response and 30% exhibited good improvement.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anthraquinones / chemistry
  • Anthraquinones / pharmacology
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / chemistry
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leishmania major / drug effects
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / drug therapy*
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / parasitology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Structure
  • Morinda / chemistry*
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Plant Stems / chemistry*
  • Xanthones / chemistry
  • Xanthones / pharmacology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anthraquinones
  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Plant Extracts
  • Xanthones
  • morindicone
  • morinthone